In fact, Pokémon like Solrock and Lunatone are simply the best training targets in Aoki's opinion.
The combination of Rock-type and Psychic-type attributes makes these two Pokémon particularly vulnerable in terms of weaknesses. They are directly countered by seven types: Ground, Bug, Ghost, Steel, Water, Grass, and Dark.
Although they have resistances to Normal, Flying, Poison, Fire, and Psychic-type moves, these advantages are not enough to make up for their overwhelming weaknesses.
Aoki's current team is well-equipped to exploit these flaws. His Slowking covers the Water-type, Honchkrow and Weavile handle the Dark-type, Gengar deals with Ghost-types, Drapion counters both Bug and Dark, and Floette, using Camouflage to shift into a Grass-type, rounds out the team. With all six Pokémon capable of countering Solrock and Lunatone, they make for perfect training targets.
If Aoki finds the right opportunity, even encountering a large group of Solrock or Lunatone wouldn't be an issue. With his team's full offensive power, they could overwhelm them entirely, providing significant level gains for his Pokémon.
Perhaps because he was thinking about Solrock, Aoki hadn't walked far into the tunnel before encountering one that was fairly strong.
Pokémon: Solrock (Light Green)
Gender: Genderless
Level: 45
Type: Rock/Psychic
Ability: Levitate
Held Item: Stardust
Egg Moves: None
Basic Moves: Sunny Day, Tackle, Harden, Confusion, Rock Throw, Fire Spin, Rock Polish, Psybeam, Cosmic Power, Rock Slide, Solar Beam, Psychic, Heal Block, Power Gem, Explosion
Learnt Moves: Calm Mind, Gravity, Iron Defense, Earth Power
TM Moves: None
A level 45 Solrock with Light Green aptitude was decent among wild Pokémon, indicating some potential. The fact that it had reached this level in such an environment suggested it had lived here for a long time.
Notably, it held an item called Stardust—a fragment from a meteorite that Solrock naturally carries. These fragments enhance its appearance and emit a faint glow in dark tunnels. Stardust is quite valuable, especially to jewelers, and could fetch a high price.
However, Aoki had a better idea. Stardust's durability against extreme temperatures and its structural stability made it ideal for crafting jewelry that could hold Mega Stones or Key Stones. Such accessories would remain secure during battles and also enhance Aoki's own style.
Solrock's appearance resembled a small sun, with half-squinted eyes that gave it a commanding presence. Despite being a Psychic-type, it wasn't particularly intelligent. Like a meteorite drifting in space, it floated idly unless intruders provoked it.
But this particular Solrock had noticed Aoki's approach and now blocked his path.
Seeing it, Aoki actually felt relieved. In his past life, the area where he had found a certain Pokémon was guarded by a group of Solrock, trapping it in Meteor Falls until Aoki had rescued it. This Solrock's presence confirmed he was heading the right way.
"Let's go," Aoki said, advancing with Slowking and Weavile.
The Solrock's eyes glowed red as it sensed intruders entering its territory.
Aoki's gaze sharpened.
"Slowking, Water Pulse!"
"Weavile, Dark Pulse!"
Since a battle was inevitable, striking first was the better option.
Slowking formed a shimmering blue orb of water, while Weavile conjured a swirling mass of dark energy. Both attacks launched simultaneously.
Boom! Boom!
The super-effective hits slammed into the floating Solrock, leaving it severely injured before it could even retaliate. Its eyes flared brighter as it gathered psychic energy, targeting the seemingly weaker Aoki with a Psychic attack.
"Weavile!" Aoki called coldly.
"Weav!"
Weavile dashed forward, intercepting the psychic wave. The mental energy washed over it harmlessly—Dark-types being immune to Psychic moves—and it lunged at Solrock without slowing.
"Finish it! Weavile, Night Slash!"
"Weavile!!"
A dark aura cloaked Weavile's claws as it slashed downward.
Crash!
The strike sent Solrock hurtling into the tunnel wall, embedding it into the rock. The impact left it unconscious, unable to battle further.
Aoki didn't order the final blow. A valuable training target like this was worth keeping around—defeating it again later could yield more experience, especially if it returned with reinforcements.
Beyond Solrock's territory, the tunnel widened, and wild Pokémon encounters increased. Alongside Solrock and Lunatone, Aoki faced Geodude, Graveler, Zubat, and Golbat—all falling to Slowking and Weavile's coordinated assaults. The two worked efficiently, conserving energy by ending battles swiftly.
Floette provided crucial support, healing injuries and restoring stamina with its grassy terrain. Occasionally, it joined the fights, its Grass-type moves proving highly effective. Here, there was no need for disguise—it perched on Aoki's shoulder, launching attacks freely.